Steve Jones will today answer City’s winger SOS by signing on loan from Burnley.

The Northern Ireland international has agreed to a deal until the new year and goes straight into the side to face Leyton Orient in Saturday’s FA Cup clash at Valley Parade.

The 32-year-old’s arrival is a huge boost for Stuart McCall as he waits for news about the injured Omar Daley. The Jamaican was among nine players in for treatment yesterday.

McCall is delighted to capture Jones, who has just finished a month with Huddersfield.

The City chief said: “Steve is looking forward to coming and playing here and we can’t wait to have him. He’s got a good pedigree and plays mainly on the right, although he can also go up front.

“He was a bit unfortunate at Huddersfield. He started two games for Stan Ternent but then got a blister and picked up an infection from the needle that burst it.

“That ruled him out for a couple of weeks and during that time Stan left and Gerry Murphy took over. But he is a good player who will certainly be a boost for us, particularly with Omar being out.

“I must thank the two chairmen for making funds available because these are tight times at the moment. They have been very supportive in what we are trying to do.”

Daley, who will be out for at least a fortnight, was due to be assessed again today. City are more concerned with the knock he took on the side of his knee.

Paul McLaren missed the comeback win over Chesterfield with a tweaked groin and could be struggling to make it for the cup tie.

McCall admitted: “Saturday may be too soon for him. Obviously if he could be fit, that would be great and we’ll give him every opportunity. But we don’t want to take any chances and risk him being out longer.

“Look at the midfield four from the beginning of the season - Joe Colbeck, Omar, McLaren and Lee Bullock - and they’re all missing, as well as Dean Furman. We’ve been hit hard in that area.”

The young South African, who has missed the last four games, was due back in training today, though he is unlikely to be ready. Paul Arnison has also returned from his niggling calf problem.

On the positive front, Tom Clarke and Nicky Law are both available to face Orient after extending their loans.

Like Jones, they will be City players up to and including the Shrewsbury home game - or FA Cup third-round tie - on January 3.